Corby Business Academy bands strike Gold at National Festival
Corby Business Academy, part of Brooke Weston Trust, is celebrating a remarkable double triumph after both its Concert Band and Big Band were awarded prestigious Gold Awards at the National Concert Band Festival in Northampton on Sunday, November 23.
This marks the first time in the Academy’s history that both ensembles have achieved Gold at the same event – a proud moment for the school’s thriving music department!
The ensembles performed in front of a distinguished panel of adjudicators at the Cripps Theatre, Northampton School for Boys, alongside some of the country’s most accomplished bands from leading independent and grammar schools.
The Concert Band opened with Robert Smith’s Encanto, followed by a medley from The Lion King. Year 10 student Isabella Davies delivered a moving solo performance of You’ll Never Walk Alone, before the band concluded with a dynamic selection from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
Directed by Mr Brad Turnbull, the Big Band entertained the audience with the Latin classic Caracas and a soulful rendition of Mack the Knife featuring Year 11 student Scarlett Morgan. The set closed with a lively, audience-participation performance of One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful.
Trumpeter Denis Musat from year 13 said: “We’re so thrilled to win not just one but two Gold Awards with the Concert Band and Big Band. We’re fortunate throughout the year to perform in renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London and Symphony Hall, Birmingham as well as performing in front of large audiences at our own concerts. Being part of the school’s ensembles is incredibly rewarding.”
Director of Music at the Academy, Clive Wears, praised the students’ dedication: ‘We are immensely proud of our students and all the hard work they put in to perform at the National Concert Band Festival. To win two Gold Awards is truly deserving of all the hard work that goes into our performances.”
Kerry Prior, Principal at Corby Business Academy, said, "This is an incredible achievement. These young people dedicate so much of their time and energy to their musical pursuits; it is wonderful to see this unwavering commitment recognised. I'm so proud of every one of these students and very grateful to the staff involved who give up so much of their time to provide these opportunities for them."
Andrew Campbell, CEO of Brooke Weston Trust, also extended his congratulations: “This is an outstanding achievement that showcases the strength of music at Corby Business Academy. The students and staff should be extremely proud of their professionalism, creativity, and teamwork – qualities that reflect the very best of our Trust.”
Corby Business Academy is a large secondary school located on the outskirts of the city. The Academy has a strong reputation for performing arts, with students regularly taking part in concerts, festivals, and community events across the region.
Families and members of the local community will have the opportunity to hear the award-winning ensembles at the school’s annual Winter Showcase on Wednesday 17th December.
For more information about Corby Business Academy, visit: Welcome to Corby Business Academy